Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Bakersfield is 58% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,371/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 83%
$77,397/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 108%
$347,300 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 246%
$1,540/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 68%
408,366
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,134/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $13,608/year.

Median household income is $83,903/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Bellevue?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,134/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Bellevue?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $83,903/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Bellevue details →

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